The United States Constitution opens with the famous words, “We the People,” which gives power to the voices of American citizens. In a Representative Democracy the people have the right to vote to let their elected officials know if they approve or disapprove of the job they have done over the past two, four or six years, or to vote for a new person to represent them. Now, is the season for “We the People” to vote!

It is primary election time in Ohio. That means you must ask for a certain ballot when you go to vote, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Issues Only. A voter can only vote for members of one party during a primary election. A Democrat ballot will have Democratic candidates and the issues, a Republican ballot will have Republican candidates and the issues, a Libertarian ballot will have Libertarian candidates and the issues and an Issues Only ballot, will have only issues and no candidates.

There are three ways to vote in this primary election: early voting, absentee ballot and on Election Day, May 5, 2026. Early voting in Ohio started on April 7 and ends on Sunday, May 3 at 5 p.m. Ohio early voting is only done at the Board of Election office 204 Davis Ave. Marietta. A voter may apply for an absentee ballot by sending a letter of request or going

online, www.boe.ohio.gov/washington to request an absentee ballot, but time is short since your absentee ballot must be received May 5 by 7:30 p.m. The third way to vote is on Election Day at your polling place.

In West Virginia, Primary Election Day is May 12, 2026. Early voting starts April 29 and ends May 9 at the Judge Black Annex, 317 Market St., Parkersburg. A voter may apply for an absentee ballot by sending a letter, visiting the courthouse or going online at woodcountywv.com between Jan. 1 and May 6. Finally, a citizen may go to his/her polling place on May 12, Primary Election Day, to vote.

Voting always matters! “We The People” need to send a strong message that we take our voting power very seriously and show up early, use an absentee ballot or go to the polls on Election Day. We need to read and choose the best candidates that reflect our values and views on issues. By voting, we send a message to officials that we approve of the job they have been doing or we do not by electing a different candidate. Voting matters!

Rita Mae Brown, an author, said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Voting is the tool to make change and voice your opinion by voting for the person who shares the morals, values and issues that represent you. Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”

Educate yourself, then vote.

Betsy Cook is a member of Living Democracy: Engaging Citizens, a local citizen group. Our mission is to inform and educate the Mid-Ohio Valley about how government works on the local, state, and federal levels and how citizens can be involved to make our democracy work. Join us the third Monday of each month. livingdemocracymov@gmail.com and facebook/living democracy: engaging citizens and Youtube channel Living Democracy.